When a Trip to the Dentist Is in Order

Though some still have a hard time figuring out when it’s time to visit the doctor’s office, even more still don’t know the cues which suggest that it’s time to spend some time in the dentist’s chair.

Bleeding, pain, sensitivity; what is considered “normal” and what warrants a call to schedule in an emergency appointment?

Trauma

If you have experienced any kind of trauma to the mouth, be it a slip and fall or an unfortunate encounter at the boxing gym, you should probably schedule a dental appointment. If you are still on the fence about whether it’s a necessary, any sort of cracks or break in the enamel, or either intense pain or loss of sensation, should signal an immediate call to the dentist. Quick action will allow for a greater range of treatment options and can minimize pain.

Bleeding Gums

You’ve probably heard that it’s normal for your gums to bleed a little when you floss. This statement is both true and false. While it’s not uncommon if you haven’t flossed in a while, however, if regular flossing and brushing is making your gums bleed, you most likely have a case of gum inflammation. This will require a visit to the dentist to get a full evaluation of the cause and solution for this condition. In case of discomfort such as gum inflammation, view it as self-preservative to get professional medical help.

Intense Pain

Experiencing throbbing pain in your tooth or gums that is starting to make you feel like your head is about to explode? You probably won’t need much of a push to make the call. There are a few reasons why you could be dealing with this level of pain in your mouth, ranging from cavities to infections in the root of your tooth. Usually the rule is “the sooner the better”, not just for your comfort level, but also for result of the treatment the dentist uses. The less inflammation there is, the clearer the problem will be and the easier to treat.

Something is Loose

Many people have some “foreign” pieces in their mouths, whether permanent retainers, bridges, or implants. If any of these or other non-organic pieces start feeling loose or fall off/out, go to the dentist’s office. When things aren’t cemented as they should be, they could easily cause more damage by hitting your enamel and damaging it, or falling off all together and having your swallow it. If it already is gone, that doesn’t mean that you can cancel your appointment. Contrary to popular belief, your teeth do move around a bit on their own, especially when there is room for them to do so. Hence, if you want to keep your investment behind your braces or other dental intervention, it’s time to maintain it!

Regular Appointments

Ok, this might seem like a weird point, however, if you treat each dentist’s appointment like it’s set in stone and essential for your survival, there is a good chance that you won’t run into any of the above issues, minus the trauma. By making the trip every 6 months for a regular cleaning and checkup, you decrease the risk of infections, cavities, and wear to your dental devices.

A trip to the dentist’s can seem like a hassle or even an expense that one might want to avoid. However, if you ignore the signs, a seemingly simple problem can snowball into a series of issues that can become difficult, painful, and expensive to treat.